ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø

Internal

PYM0QQ - Applying Qualitative Methods in Psychological Research

ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø

PYM0QQ-Applying Qualitative Methods in Psychological Research

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: PYM0S1 Data Collection and Analysis 1 and PYM0S2 Data Collection and Analysis 2 or PYMFCR Clinical Research Methods or PYMCRM Research Methods and Data Analysis (Conversion)
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Kate Harvey
Email: k.n.harvey@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
The purpose of this module is to inform students about the approaches used in qualitative research. Students will gain practical knowledge of key methods.

Aims:
This module offers students a grounding in the use of qualitative research methods in psychology. It examines the complementary roles of qualitative and quantitative approaches in psychological research, and introduces key methods for collecting and analysing qualitative data. Criteria for evaluating the rigour of qualitative research are considered.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
1) describe qualitative approaches to psychological research in relation to other methodological approaches
2) describe methods of collecting qualitative data
3) outline the processes involved in conducting qualitative analysis
4) understand rigour and be able to evaluate qualitative research

Assessment will be by coursework. Students will conduct a small research project under the direction of the module lecturer. From this, the student will produce a portfolio that will be assessed.

Additional outcomes:

The content of this module will be drawn upon in many parts of the programme, in practical assignments (PYM0RT, PYM0EP) and in theoretical or evaluative aspects of other modules.


Outline content:
Session 1: Introduction to qualitative methods in psychology
Session 2: Qualitative methods of data collection
Session 3: Qualitative methods of data analyses
Session 4: Rigour in qualitative research
Session 5: Portfolio support

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Students will be given directed readings that they will be expected to have read before attending seminars. Classes will last around 3 hours and will consist of a formal and structured overview of the area and a discussion in which students will be expected to participate. Some sessions will also involve a component of 􀀓hands on􀀔 collection and analyses of qualitative data and discussion of the issues arising from applying particular qualitative methods.

Contact hours:
Ìý Autumn Spring Summer
Seminars 15
Guided independent study: 85
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý
Total hours by term 100
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý
Total hours for module 100

Summative Assessment Methods:
Method Percentage
Portfolio 100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
none

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Coursework
Students will conduct a small project which will involve the collection and analysis of qualitative data. Details of this will be given out during term time. This work will be presented as portfolio which will be assessed.

Relative percentage of coursework:
100%. With respect to assessment, further general information will be available in the Course Handbook, and module-specific details will be made available in module material.

Formative assessment methods:

Students will receive feedback on their project outline including their Topic Guide.Ìý The final seminar will provide students with the opportunity to obtain feedback on the project they are conducting and/or their portfolio.


Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: